UKIP ATTACKS SECRETIVE EU-FUNDED PAYMENTS TO ANONYMOUS POLITICAL GROUPS IN NORTH AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST

The European Union “is in no position to lecture anyone on democracy," says West Midlands MEP James Carver after the Parliament overwhelmingly voted for the 'European Endowment for Democracy’. (EED)

Closely linked to the European Neighbourhood policy, a €15.4 billion attempt to interfere in such unstable and unfriendly countries as Syria and Libya, the EED is used to allegedly promote democracy far beyond the EU's borders.

Mr Carver, UKIP’s Commonwealth spokesman said, "The European Union is in no position to lecture anyone on democracy. We saw this week the disgusting way Mr Tsipras, an elected leader, was treated by the euro fanatics. Before wasting millions of pounds to preach about democracy Juncker & Co need to have a long hard look in the mirror.

"A senior German MEP, Elmar Brok, chair of the board of governors of the EED, previously caused controversy in his own country, when back in 2011 he lobbied the parliament to retain his parliamentary immunity against a financial investigation by the German authorities after questions were raised over his tax arrangements. You would have thought he would have learnt his lesson then."

Mr Carver continued, "The lack of disclosure regarding these funds provides a cause for concern. Many of the organizations which have received funding remain anonymous. Projects like this demonstrate the EU's willingness to interfere far beyond its borders.

“Yet again we see money from member state's taxpayers being spent without transparency, without common sense and without point. The Commission contributed a staggering 5.9 million euros to this project, and I think it is fair to say that that is 5.9 million euros too much."